THE SIKARAN GRAND MASTER/SUPREMO AT 80

By Elpidio Seletaria Jr.
8th Degree Black Belt

On March 10, 2007, Sikaran Grand Master/Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo celebrated his 80th birthday. Upon the invitation of his son, Meliton Geronimo Jr., I went to the Philippines to be with the Supremo and be part of this special day.

At 8:30 in the morning of that day, my elder brother, Rodolfo, a 7th Degree Black Belt, picked me up from my house in Imus, Cavite. I drove a Mitsubishi Adventure borrowed from my sister-in-law. I forgot that in the Philippines, week-ends and holidays were the most traffic congested days. I called the Sikaran Grand Master (GM) and he told me they would wait for us in his house in Antipolo City before heading to Baras, Rizal, "The Home of Sikaran." We got stuck in a snail-paced traffic along Aguinaldo Highway towards EDSA. If you are a modest driver in the U.S., obeying all traffic rules, try to adapt yourself with the driving condition in the Manila and suburbs area, otherwise everyone would overtake and you might end up drifting out of your lane.

With some smart maneuvering and minimal aggressiveness, we were able to get to Antipolo by 11:30 AM. Unfortunately, we were told by June, GM's daughter, to just proceed to Baras, as the father and son Geronimos got tired waiting for us. When we got to Baras, they were already gathered in a "carenderia" owned by Sikaran Master Jimmy C. Geronimo. We were offered to take our lunch. Thereafter, an informal meeting, presided by Meliton, Jr., took place. Everyone was required to say something about him/herself and his/her vision about Sikaran. After the meeting, I was invited to Jimmy Geronimo's Sikaran Gym to observe the Seminar on Officiating, participated in by the senior Sikaran Black Belts present at that time. The Seminar was personally conducted by Jimmy. It lasted for an hour.

The seminar was followed by the second phase of the meeting at the house of Meliton, Jr. located at the outskirt of Baras. I believe this is the biggest house in the entire Baras with so much space to offer. This is an ideal place for convention or gathering of about 200 people, such as the Presidents/Chief Instructors of the different Sikaran Chapters in the Philippines or even worldwide. Before the meeting took place, the Sikaran GM/Supremo blew the candles and cut his birthday cake, followed by some refreshments for everybody.

It was a simple gathering, but I could feel the sense of World Sikaran Brotherhood . The occasion gave me an opportunity to exchange views, ideas, and pleasantries with some senior Sikaran black belts in relation to Sikaran, its past, present and future. Jimmy Geronimo raised the issue pertaining to someone who was claiming to be the king of Sikaran who, in reality, was their (GM/Supremo Geronimo and Master Geronimo) former student and had been expelled from the organization for gross and inexcusable violations of its rules and regulations.

The question was directed to me by Jimmy what I can do about him. I suggested that we would do nothing. For when we do, especially if we mention his name publicly, we will in effect giving him a free publicity. However, I told them I would publish the Roster of Sikaran Black Belts. In this manner, the credit will be given to where it is due. Further, I explained that sooner or later, the truth will prevail and the world will know that he is not what he claims to be.

The following were present during the 80th birthday of the GM/Sikaran Supremo, aside from me and Meliton Geronimo Jr.